Habkern BE
In the Habkern project, volunteers actively work in one of Switzerland's most biodiverse regions. They carry out manual work in the forest and cultivated landscape, maintain moorland biotopes and help to preserve unique habitats. In this way, they contribute to the preservation of the forests, the diversity of species and the safety of the region - in the middle of a spectacular mountain world.
Forest and cultural landscape
Habkern lies above Interlaken, surrounded by striking peaks and the large Grünenberg Pass forest reserve. Covering around 45 km², it protects valuable moorland biotopes and open pine forests, home to rare species such as the capercaillie. The diversity of calcareous and calcareous-poor habitats makes Habkern unique. This landscape needs targeted care: grazing, scrub clearance and clearing ensure the openness of the forests and moorland areas and preserve biodiversity despite game browsing and climate change.
Idea and goals
The aim of the project is the long-term protection and maintenance of the unique forest and moorland landscapes around Habkern. Wald & Holz Beatenberg-Habkern AG is coordinating extensive maintenance work as part of a 10-year action plan. The Bergwaldprojekt provides volunteer support for clearing, planting, scrub clearance and the protection of rare habitats.
Project partnerships: Together with Wald & Holz Beatenberg-Habkern AG and local farmers, the Bergwaldprojekt implements long-term maintenance measures.
What you can expect
The work is flexibly adapted to current needs as well as weather and terrain conditions and can vary. The work in the Habkern project focuses on targeted clearing, planting and protecting young trees from browsing by game. In addition, moorland areas are maintained and cleared of bushes, footpaths are maintained and cultural landscapes are kept open. All work is carried out under the guidance of experienced project and group leaders.
The week starts on Sunday with an introduction to the Bergwaldprojekt and the week's schedule. The days start early: breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m. and then the work begins. One highlight is the weekly forestry excursion in the surrounding area. In addition to forestry work, volunteers also take on simple household tasks in the accommodation, such as tidying up or washing up.
Discover more photos from the project!
Organisatorisches
Holiday home Alpenruh at 1100 m above sea level.
- Multi-bed room
- Shower/WC
- Warm running water
- Electricity throughout the house
- Camping not possible
breakfast & dinner at the accommodation, lunch in the forest
- Full value
- regional
- seasonal
- biological
- less meat (vegetarian alternative available)
- Feste, high mountain boots (above ankle) with treaded sole (two pairs recommended)
- Work clothes, work gloves
- Rain jacket, Rain pants (gaiters recommended)
- Warm clothes (we are in the mountains)
- Shoes
- Stirn- oder Taschenlampe
- Sonnenschutz (Sonnencrème, Sunglasses, headgear)
- Daypack, pocket knife, Water bottle (thermos bottle recommended)
- Hand/shower towel
- Personal items
- Schlafsack
- Gepäckstück: Arrival with suitcase or bag possible
- Good physical condition and sure-footedness. The work may take place on steep terrain.
- Punctual arrival at the meeting point. Late arrival or early departure is not possible.
- The instructions of the project staff must be followed.
- Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
- Photographs will be taken during the project week and may be published in our publications. Please contact the project management if you do not agree to this
For ecological reasons, please travel by public transport or in carpools - parking spaces are not available.
Meeting point: (Only with confirmed registration!)
Sunday, 17:18, Postbus stop "Habkern, Post"
The accommodation is in the immediate vicinity of the meeting point.
Departure: Saturday, 11:00 from the meeting point.
Registration is binding. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration immediately by calling +41 (0)81 650 40 40 or info@bergwaldprojekt.ch.
In case of emergencies, we can be contacted on the day of arrival. The relevant telephone number will be posted in the project information in your profile shortly before the start of the project.